Paris is reportedly on the brink of a baguette crisis after laws aimed at preventing bakers from all taking their summer holidays at once were scrapped.

The odd legislation, which dated back from the 18th century, has been done away with in a bid to cut red tape.

It ensured that around half of the French capital's bakers would stay open during the summer months. It also forced those that did close to post signs in their windows advertising the nearest alternative.

But with those laws axed some Parisians have reported struggling to find a decent baguette.

Artist Anthony Stephinson, 36, told the Daily Telegraph: "I have experienced it. Our local boulangerie, formally known as simply 'Artisan Boulangerie' changed its name to 'Utopie', then went on holiday.

"So, we've taken to buying those strange half-cooked mini baguettes from my local supermarket and putting them in the oven.”